[PhilPhys] CFA: Workshop on theoretical virtues

[Karen Crowther]

As part of *Establishing the Nordic Network for Philosophy of Physics*, we
will host a workshop on *Theoretical Virtues and Non-Empirical Guides in
Scientific Theory-Development*.

23-24 November, 2022 at Aarhus University

Theoretical virtues are desirable features of scientific theories, and may
include principles such as consistency, simplicity, unification, and
consilience/coherence---not all of which are directly related to empirical
evidence. These principles play various roles in scientific theory
development, including as heuristic, exploratory guides in scientific
discovery, as indicators of pursuit-worthiness, or means of confirmation.
But there are also other non-empirical features used in these roles that
are not typically classified as theoretical virtues, such as analogy and
thought experiment.

In philosophy of physics, interest in non-empirical guides to theory
development and assessment is growing, given the prominent status of these
guides in the search for new theories of fundamental physics. These
features---such as naturalness, symmetry principles, and
singularity-resolution---are more specific than the traditional theoretical
virtues, but nevertheless appear to bear interesting relations to the
broader theoretical virtues.

This workshop aims to connect discussions on theory development and
assessment in the philosophy of physics with that in general philosophy of
science, and other specific sciences. The topic is conceived of broadly, as
including any theoretical virtues, heuristic guides, and principles that
are not directly related to experiment and observation.

*Example questions:*

   - Considering the utility of particular theoretical virtues in different
   roles – e.g., What is the heuristic function of unification? Can
   inconsistency be an indicator of pursuit-worthiness? Can simplicity be a
   guide to truth?
   - The role of analogy in the development of physical theories
   - Do theoretical virtues have a role to play only in the context of
   pursuit, or do they also enter considerations concerning the justification
   of theories?
   - Why is explanatory coherence more desirable than ad hoc connections?


*CALL FOR ABSTRACTS*
We welcome submissions of abstracts of approx. 500 words from interested
speakers anywhere in the world, but especially encourage submissions from
researchers in the Nordic region. Accepted speakers will have travel and
accommodation expenses covered.

*To submit a proposal, please submit your 500 word abstract, including your
name and affiliation at *https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=nnpp-1

Please address any questions about the workshop to Karen Crowther at
kcro8477 at gmail.com

Committee

Karen Crowther
Richard Dawid
Øystein Linnebo
Samuel Schindler
Harald Wiltsche
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://listbox.elte.hu/pipermail/philphys/attachments/20220613/39ecadc8/attachment-0001.html>